
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was hospitalized on Wednesday and is under observation for a neurodegenerative condition, his organization, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said in a statement.
Jackson, 84, has been managing the condition, called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), for over a decade, according to the organization he founded.
“He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed,” the organization said. “The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
The disorder damages certain areas of the brain and affects a person’s walking, swallowing, balance and eye movements, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition worsens over time and can lead to dangerous complications, including trouble swallowing and pneumonia.
The disease typically affects people over the age of 60, and symptoms can mimic those of Parkinson’s.
There is no cure for the disease, but treatment options to help with symptoms include physical and occupational therapy, Botox, antidepressants, eyeglasses with prism or bifocal lenses, and Parkinson’s disease medications.
In a 2017 statement following news of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Jackson said that his family began noticing symptoms three years prior and that his father also had the disease.
Jackson became a civil rights icon in the 1960s, participating in marches alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and playing a pivotal role in movements for equality and justice. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton in August 2000.
Jackson founded the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984. It merged with Operation PUSH in September 1996 to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Full Supreme Court to hear challenge to Judicial Selection Committee law - 2
Catholic influencer shares death of 5-year-old son from 'severe' flu - 3
'Wicked: For Good' was filmed at this surreal National Park in Egypt - 4
AstraZeneca to acquire Modella AI to speed oncology drug research - 5
'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' 1st teaser trailer unveiled: Which Bachelor Nation star is part of the cast? And when does it premiere?
Flat Earth, spirits and conspiracy theories – experience can shape even extraordinary beliefs
Top 15 Style Creators Changing the Business
Nuno Loureiro, MIT physicist, fatally shot at home; police investigate
Viruses aren’t all bad: In the ocean, some help fuel the food web – a new study shows how
Popular Film Areas: A Worldwide Manual for Film Enchantment
When Would it be a good idea for you to Look for Help from a Criminal Legal counselor?
Instructions to Explore the Therapy Choices for Cellular breakdown in the lungs
The 2026 'Super Bowl of Astronomy' starts today — here's what's happening
7 Strange Devices to Make Your Party Stick Out!












